Aloha! Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort is a Magic Kingdom area, monorail resort that has been part of Disney World since its opening in 1971!  Here you can take a vacation within a vacation with the dazzling sights, sounds, and smells of the South Pacific!

Quick Look

Layout: The Polynesian’s 847 rooms are separated into 11 longhouses scattered in what feels like a Polynesian village around the Seven Seas Lagoon.  Check out the map: here

Rooms: All rooms have access to hallways, and most have views of the lagoon or gardens, but you can also pay for a Magic Kingdom view where you can see Cinderella Castle out of your window or balcony.  All rooms have a flat-screen TV, internet access available, small refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, and most have ceiling fans.  Rooms have either 2 queen beds or 1 King bed but some may accommodate more with a daybed or pull out sofa.

Shopping: The Great Ceremonial House, which is the main longhouse on property, offers shopping at BouTiki, Trader Jack’s, and Wyland Galleries.

Recreation: Jogging path, and play area;  Fishing and boating both available on the Seven Seas Lagoon; The Never Land Club features a supervised kids activity program for ages 4-12 (great for a night out for Mom & Dad)– Never Land Club & Water Excursions should be booked in advance.

Pools: There are 2 Pools here- the Nanea Volcano pool which is located near the Great Ceremonial House and the East Pool which is quieter and tucked away more.  Both pools are heated and easily accessible to all guests.

Tips:  When making a room request keep in mind that the resort is not too large to walk from any longhouse to the Great Ceremonial House– keep in mind that some of the longhouses on the “east” like Rapa Nui, require only a short walk to the Ticket and Transportation Center!  If you are after Tonga Toast, the wildly popular breakfast item, it and some other Kona Cafe favorites can be purchased cheaper at the quick service restaurant Capt. Jacks!

Dining Options:

Find a complete overview of dining at the Polynesian here.

Sit down restaurants: O’Hana and Kona Cafe

Quick service restaurants: Captain Cooks (open 24 hours)

Bars & Quick Stops: Kona Island, Barefoot Pool Bar,  and Tambu Lounge

Signature/Dinner Shows: Spirit of Aloha Luau Dinner Show

Transportation:

To Magic Kingdom:  Monorail & Water Taxi

To Epcot:  Monorail

To Animal Kingdom:  Bus

To Hollywood Studios:  Bus

To Downtown Disney:  Bus

To Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon:  Bus

*Note The Monorail takes you to the Ticket & Transportation Center where you can get transportation to other non-monorail resorts as well as all parks and water parks

Melissa has created Chip & Company’s ‘Guide to Walt Disney World: Restaurant & Snack Options’ posts as well as chronicling her Disney baking (and cooking) exploits In the Kitchen. She also writes original articles about her experiences visiting Walt Disney World and finding Disney magic in her home state of New York. Melissa is a World History teacher and you can find her on tumblr. Oh & you should probably know she believes in fairytales.